Organizer Information
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Photographie e.V. (DGPh) is Germany’s leading photographic society, dedicated to the promotion of photographic art, research, and education. The society organizes awards, exhibitions, and programs to support photographers nationally and internationally. The August-Sander-Preis is offered in collaboration with the Photographische Sammlung / SK Stiftung Kultur in Cologne and aims to foster contemporary artistic approaches in portrait photography inspired by the conceptual and factual style of August Sander. The award emphasizes innovative photographic projects that contribute to the evolving discourse on portraiture in contemporary photography.Title & Description
August-Sander-Preis 2026 für Porträtphotographie The August-Sander-Preis 2026 is an international award for portrait photography that recognizes young contemporary artists born on or after January 1, 1986. The award promotes work aligned with the conceptual, objective approach of August Sander, emphasizing the human portrait as a vehicle for artistic expression. Participants are invited to submit a cohesive photographic series (maximum 20 images) that explores portraiture in any cultural, social, or thematic context. Single images will not be accepted; only sequences or groups of photographs are considered. Winning entries will receive a €5,000 prize and may be included in an exhibition at the Photographische Sammlung / SK Stiftung Kultur in Cologne. The award is biennial and aims to highlight innovative portrait work, bridging historical photographic traditions with contemporary practices. A jury of experts in photography and curation will evaluate submissions, and a shortlist will be announced in May 2026, with the winner revealed in June 2026. The formal award ceremony will take place in September 2026 at the DGPh’s partner institution in Cologne.Categories
- Photography
- Portrait Photography
- Conceptual Photography
- Contemporary Art
Eligibility
- Open to national and international artists.
- Applicants must be born on or after January 1, 1986.
- Professional or emerging photographers focusing on portrait photography.
- Submitted works must be a series of 5–20 images, not previously awarded in other competitions.
- Individual applications only; no team submissions.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Monetary award: €5,000 for the winning photographer.
- Opportunity for an exhibition at the Photographische Sammlung / SK Stiftung Kultur, Cologne (depending on feasibility and coordination).
- Exposure to international curators, photography professionals, and media coverage.
- Inclusion in the DGPh’s portfolio of awarded photographic projects.
Application Fee
NoneApplication Requirements
- Personal and contact information.
- Portfolio of the photographic series (max. 20 images).
- Documentation of prior photographic work or exhibitions.
- Statement describing the series’ concept, relevance to portraiture, and connection to August Sander’s approach.
How to Apply?
Submission Address:Photographische Sammlung / SK Stiftung Kultur
Im Mediapark 7, 50670 Cologne, Germany
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: May 2026
- Winner Announcement: June 2026
- Award Ceremony & Exhibition: September 2026
Location
Cologne, GermanyAdditional Details
- Only coherent series of photographs are eligible; single images will be disqualified.
- Works should not have won awards in other competitions.
- Jury comprises five experts in photography, curation, and art history.
- Applicants retain copyright of their images; use in exhibition requires coordination with the DGPh.
- The award emphasizes contemporary approaches rooted in the historical and conceptual legacy of August Sander.
